WASHINGTON – President Donald Trump said Wednesday the federal government would come "to a halt" if Democrats pursue investigations against his administration, threatening a political landscape that would be "warlike."

"If that happens then we're going to do the same thing and government comes to a halt," Trump said. "And I would blame them."

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In his first press conference after the midterms, President Trump repeated his claim that he cannot release his tax returns even with Democrats controlling the House. Here's why.
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Trump repeated a threat to launch counter-investigations if Democrats look into his past business practices and decision-making in the White House. Asked what he would do if Democrats attempt to pursue his tax returns, Trump repeated his claim he is under audit and said most voters would not understand the returns.

"If they do that," Trump said of the potential a blizzard of investigations, "then it's just – all it is is a warlike posture."

House Democrats have said they will press for more information about the interactions between Trump's real estate empire and his decisions in office, including whether members of the president's Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida are influencing executive decisions. They are also sure to seek additional documents related to Cabinet controversies, including the multiple probes of Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke.

But Trump also suggested that his administration could work with House Democrats on infrastructure, prescription drug prices and other issues.

“It really could be a beautiful, bipartisan situation," Trump said. "There are many things that we can get along on without a lot of trouble."

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Supports attempt to shake hands with President Donald Trump after he lands at Lunken Airport in Cincinnati on Friday, Oct. 12, 2018. President Trump visited the Cincinnati area for a MAGA Rally at the Warren County Fair Grounds in Lebanon, Ohio, Friday. SAM GREENE/USA TODAY NETWORK

President Trump exits Air Force One after landing at Lunken Airport in Cincinnati on Friday. President Trump visited the Cincinnati area for a MAGA Rally at the Warren County Fair Grounds in Lebanon, Ohio. SAM GREENE/USA TODAY NETWORK